Imagine waking up to the smell of a warm, cheesy egg bake, fresh from the oven. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutritious ingredients like broccoli, eggs, and bell peppers. If you’re looking for a healthy breakfast that is easy to prepare, protein-rich, and delicious, then this broccoli egg bake is the perfect dish for you.
This recipe is great for meal prep, family breakfasts, or even a quick, satisfying brunch. It’s also gluten-free, low-carb, and full of essential nutrients, making it a wholesome way to start your day.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Egg Bake
✔ Quick & Easy: Takes just 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
✔ Customizable: Add your favorite cheeses, meats, or extra veggies.
✔ Meal-Prep Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and reheating throughout the week.
Ingredients for Broccoli Egg Bake
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that combine to create a fluffy, cheesy, and flavorful egg dish.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Broccoli | 1 head, cut into florets |
Eggs | 4 large |
Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
Red bell pepper | ½ cup, diced |
Onion | ¼ cup, diced |
Milk | ½ cup |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Olive oil | For greasing the dish |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- Cut the broccoli into small florets.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli for about 5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Dice the red bell pepper and onion into small pieces.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, diced red bell pepper, diced onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the egg mixture.
- Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
4. Assemble the Bake
- Spread the steamed broccoli florets evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Pour the egg and vegetable mixture over the broccoli, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5. Bake the Egg Dish
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- The eggs should be fully set, and the top should turn golden brown.
- To check for doneness, insert a knife into the center—it should come out clean.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Cut the broccoli egg bake into squares and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Egg Bake
1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli
- Steaming or blanching the broccoli just until tender-crisp keeps it vibrant and fresh in the bake.
- Overcooking it beforehand can make the bake too soft and watery.
2. Use Fresh Cheese for Maximum Flavor
- Shredding cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella, feta, or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
3. Make It Extra Creamy
- If you prefer a softer texture, add an extra ¼ cup of milk or heavy cream.
- Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can also make the bake extra creamy and protein-rich.
4. Let It Cool Before Slicing
- Allow the bake to set for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
- This prevents it from falling apart and makes serving easier.
Variations and Substitutions
1. Make It Meatier
- Add cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Ham or turkey slices can be layered into the bake for a savory touch.
2. Make It Dairy-Free
- Substitute almond, coconut, or oat milk for regular milk.
- Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
3. Add More Vegetables
- Try adding mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or tomatoes for extra nutrients.
- Bell peppers of different colors add a vibrant look and a sweet flavor.
4. Make It Spicy
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
- Serve with hot sauce or sriracha for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
---|---|
Calories | ~180 kcal |
Protein | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 8g |
Fats | 10g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 320mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the broccoli egg bake in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Let the bake cool completely, then slice and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and drain the broccoli well before adding it to the recipe.
4. How do I store and reheat this bake?
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes.
5. Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Yes! Use 6-8 egg whites instead of 4 whole eggs for a lower-calorie, high-protein version.
6. What can I serve with this egg bake?
- A fresh side salad
- Whole-grain toast or avocado toast
- A fruit bowl for a light, refreshing touch
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
The broccoli egg bake is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make breakfast that fits any lifestyle. It’s packed with flavor, protein, and fiber, making it a great choice for busy mornings or meal prep.
PrintBroccoli Egg Bake: A Nutritious and Delicious Breakfast Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This broccoli egg bake is a nutritious, cheesy, and satisfying breakfast option that’s perfect for busy mornings. Made with fresh vegetables, eggs, and cheddar cheese, this dish is packed with protein and vitamins, making it a healthy alternative to processed breakfasts. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or meal-prepping for the week, this simple oven-baked egg dish will keep you full and energized.
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, broken into small florets
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup diced onions
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Set the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Cut the broccoli into small florets and steam or blanch for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Dice the red bell pepper and onions into small pieces.
-
Mix the Egg Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, diced bell pepper, diced onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread the steamed broccoli florets evenly in the greased baking dish.
- Pour the egg mixture over the broccoli, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
-
Bake the Dish:
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a crispier top, broil the bake for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Make it ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- Customize it: Add mushrooms, spinach, or bacon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American